<img border="0" alt="[Nerd]" title="" src="graemlins/nerd.gif" /> I've been sizing up a Mazda turbodiesel 2.5 litre for just such an occasion! (86 kw, 280 Nm, or about 115 hp, 206 ft.lb) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> Unfortunately I'm also constrained by warranty. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/mad.gif" />

Things to watch for:

sump clearance to front diff/driveshaft assy.

short length from bellhousing to radiator (25" safely)

exhaust pipe must exit on the (US) drivers side due to front diff driveshaft assy. and firewall, so no small Toyota motors or V-anythings. For gas motors Nissan 2 litre "200 SX/Sylvia" turbo may fit.

No ex FWD motors as these usually have sensors attatched to the wrong end of the camshaft (extending over the bellhousing area), and would create clearance problems with the firewall/scuttle area.

I think a rotary in a Sportage would be a bit like chocolate pizza, I like chocolate and I like pizza but I don't think they would necessarily work too well together. <img border="0" alt="[Barf]" title="" src="graemlins/barf.gif" /> The rotary produces its horsepower high up in the revs but bugger-all torque down low, remember it has to move 3300+ lb of metal around at reasonably urbane speeds most of the time. It would be a real dog to drive around town. As far as a rockcrawler goes it would be dead in the water.